WHO IS THE INTOLERANT ONE?

 FAJR REMINDER: WHO IS THE INTOLERANT ONE?

By: Umm ‘Affān

Jumādā al-Ākhirah 30, 1447 (21-December-2025)

In all honesty, I would like to understand how standing firmly by my religious principles leads to being labeled as intolerant. Don't you think that the true burden of intolerance rests on those who are offended by another's religious values?

It is quite perplexing that someone—especially a Muslim—might view another as intolerant simply because they recognize Allāh’s statement, “Lakum deenukum waliya deen (لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ),” particularly in relation to the religions of non-Muslims and their festivals.

The real issue seems to be that when a Muslim expresses their decision not to participate in the festivals of non-Muslims (notably Christmas and New Year), this is often interpreted as hatred towards Christians. Let us put an end to this hypocrisy. Islām commands us to treat everyone with kindness and to avoid causing harm. However, there must be a clear distinction drawn regarding religious practices.

‘Eid, as an annual religious celebration, underscores this point. During these times, people attend their places of worship, and therefore, a Muslim is not obligated to engage in the festivals of non-Muslims. This understanding is a core element of what Allāh revealed in Sūrah Al-Kafirūn, where He states (Say), “To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islāmic Monotheism).” [Sūrah Al-Kafirūn (109): 6]

It is important to note that Muslims celebrate only two annual festivals. Anas Ibn Mālik recounted that when the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) arrived in Madīnah, he encountered two days of celebrations. He asked, “What are these two days?” The people replied, “We used to celebrate these two days in the time of ignorance.” The Prophet then stated, “Verily, Allāh has replaced these two days with two better days: ‘Eid al-Aḍḥa and ‘Eid Al-Fiṭr.” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1134]

If, due to a lack of understanding regarding Islām, someone fails to grasp the impermissibility of participating in the festivals of non-Muslims, I urge such a person not to label fellow Muslims who choose differently as intolerant. The true burden of intolerance lies with those who struggle to accept the religious values of others.

I beseech Allāh to grant us understanding and strengthen our resolve in our faith. Aameen.